Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Ayodhya on Wednesday for the historic Bhumi Pujan (foundation stone-laying ceremony) of the Ram Mandir at the Ram Janmabhoomi site. This marks the beginning of the construction of the temple after decades of legal battles, which concluded with the court ruling in favor of the temple's construction at the site, formerly home to the Babri Masjid before it was demolished in 1992.
Key Updates:
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PM Modi's Speech: Modi began his address with the chant "Jai Siya Ram" and expressed gratitude to the nation, Indian diaspora, and Lord Ram's devotees. He emphasized that the temple would put an end to the cycle of demolitions and reconstructions at the site that had spanned centuries.
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Commemorative Plaque and Stamp: To mark the occasion, PM Modi unveiled a plaque and a postage stamp dedicated to the Ram Mandir.
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Mohan Bhagwat’s Address: RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat highlighted the contributions of various figures, including BJP's LK Advani and the late Ashok Singhal, to the Ram temple movement. He also mentioned that this event would instill confidence in India’s path to self-reliance.
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Planting of Parijat Sapling: PM Modi planted a Parijat sapling, considered divine, ahead of the foundation stone ceremony, alongside Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath.
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Prayers at Hanuman Garhi Temple: Prior to the Bhumi Pujan, PM Modi visited the 10th-century Hanuman Garhi temple, offering prayers and receiving a headgear and silver 'mukut' (crown).
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Prayers at Ram Janmabhoomi: PM Modi offered prayers to Ram Lalla (infant Lord Ram) and performed 'sashtang pranam' (prostration) at the Ram Janmabhoomi site.
Preparations:
- Ceremony Invitations: Around 175 guests, including 135 saints from 35 religious organizations, were invited to attend the ceremony.
- Local Preparations: Around 1.25 lakh diyas (lamps) were ordered for the ceremony, and extensive cleanliness and sanitization efforts were underway in Ayodhya, with locals cleaning roads, markets, and ghats in preparation.
The ceremony is a significant moment in India's religious and political history, symbolizing the culmination of a long and contentious struggle over the site.